Storm damage
Documenting storm damage and working through the insurance claim.
After hail, high wind or a fallen branch, the first job is to document what happened, and the second is to keep the damage from getting worse. Both come before any conversation about who pays.
These guides cover photographing and recording damage, temporary protection, and how the claim process usually runs. Policies differ, so every step here is general. What is covered is for your own insurer to say.
Read these first
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Working rules
How Roof and Rafter Writes About Roofs
The sourcing, pricing, insurance and correction rules behind every page on the site.
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Field checklist
Roof Inspection Checklist for Homeowners
What to look for from the yard, the attic and the ceilings, and what each sign usually means.
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Field guide
How to Hire a Roofer and Compare Written Quotes
Vetting a crew, reading a written quote and avoiding the usual traps, step by step.
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Field calculator
Roof Area Estimator: Squares from Footprint and Pitch
Turn a house footprint, overhang and pitch into roof area and roofing squares.